Forum Discussion

Geocritter's avatar
Geocritter
Explorer
May 04, 2013

What transmission do I have?

I recently purchased a 1994 33' Holiday Rambler. I know that it has a FI 460 V8 gasoline engine, that it has a 5.13 rear axle, and that it's built on a Ford F Super Duty chassis (though I thought it had a F53 chassis, very mysterious). Now I'm wondering who made the automatic transmission. From what I understand after reading Fords inadequate owners manual is that it's a 3 speed + OD and that Ford recommend using Mercron automatic transmission fluid. The reason I'm asking is that I'm a believer in synthetic lubricating fluids and preventive maintenance. That being the case I'd like to change out the AT fluid for a high quality synthetic.
Steve
Class A
  • FuelFunnel's avatar
    FuelFunnel
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    RLS7201 wrote:
    All F53s 1988 to 1997 were equipped with an E4OD transmission. The transmission case is designed for 4WD and uses the deep pan and long transmission filter tube. A ZF emergency brake is bolted to the flange where a transfer case in normally installed on 4WDs.
    It has very slow, soft shifts and it's service life can be extended with a Banks Transcommander.


    Richard


    I do not have the deep pan on my 1991, so you will need to determine which pan you have when you get a new filter.

    Kris
  • Geocritter's avatar
    Geocritter
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    I want to thank everyone, the bits and pieces of information are really helpful. Such as with Nick-B's post I now know that with a torque converter drain plug I don't have to take my RV into a oil change facility to change out the AT fluid. I will also look into that second transmission cooler. Back in 1990 my non-mechanical brother took a 10,000 mile RV trip in a second-hand Class C RV that had no transmission cooler at all. Needless to say, half-ways through the trip he had to replace his transmission. I don't care when the RV was built, the cheapskate manufacturer should be flogged for leaving off such an important piece of equipment.
    Steve
  • Nick-B's avatar
    Nick-B
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    Ford actually updated the fluid recommendation to use Mercon V (five) which is a synth blend. Adding a second trans cooler is recommended especially if you will be towing and / or in the mountains.

    FYI, you should have a drain plug on the torque converter. Pull the rubber plug on the bottom of the bell housing and turn the engine until the drain plug appears at the access hole.
  • WILDEBILL308's avatar
    WILDEBILL308
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2013
    427435 wrote:
    mnoeltne wrote:
    If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.


    x2

    x3
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    May 05, 2013
    Find a ford truck vin translator.

    Feed it the vin

    The transmission model is encoded therein, the translators should be able to pick it out .. .At one time about a decade or more ago I could have done it for you, in some cases by inspection, in others by the book. I used to have the book.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    mnoeltne wrote:
    If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.


    x2
  • mnoeltne's avatar
    mnoeltne
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    May 04, 2013
    All F53s 1988 to 1997 were equipped with an E4OD transmission. The transmission case is designed for 4WD and uses the deep pan and long transmission filter tube. A ZF emergency brake is bolted to the flange where a transfer case in normally installed on 4WDs.
    It has very slow, soft shifts and it's service life can be extended with a Banks Transcommander.


    Richard
  • Geocritter's avatar
    Geocritter
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    phillyg wrote:
    Sounds like an E40D to me, too.


    I think you're right, is that known as a reliable transmission, or are there some quirks I should know about?
    Steve

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